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Forty members of Congress expressed concern over the Department of Agriculture's proposal to limit potatoes in school meals, noting that they are a good source of potassium, fiber and essential minerals. Some legislators, potato growers and frozen-food manufacturers said schools have come up with ways to prepare more-healthy french fries.

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Sales at upmarket frozen-foods retailer Cook rose 20% in the fiscal year ended 31 March, as last year's horse meat scandal in Europe had more shoppers seeking out higher-end meals, the company said. Cook operates 67 branded shops and also sells its fare through 350 independent supermarkets and farm shops and directly to consumers online.

Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and raise the risk for problems such as strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. Seasonal fruits and vegetables found at farmers markets are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium -- necessary minerals to maintain healthy blood pressure -- and usually don't need added salt. "[W]hat you add to your meals is just as important [as] what you omit," writes Jennifer Stack, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America.

Forty members of Congress expressed concern over the USDA's proposal to limit potatoes in school meals, noting that they are a good source of potassium, fiber and essential minerals. Some legislators, potato growers and frozen-food manufacturers said schools have come up with ways to prepare more-healthy french fries.

A study of 325 children showed that those who consume dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables and avoid fried foods are more likely to show lower fat mass and higher bone mass over time than those who do not. The researchers say high levels of alkalizing minerals, including potassium, in colorful vegetables may help explain the relationship of vegetable intake to bone mass.

A study of 325 children showed that those who consume dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables and avoid fried foods are more likely to show lower fat mass and higher bone mass over time than those who do not. The researchers say high levels of alkalizing minerals, including potassium, in colorful vegetables may help explain the relationship of vegetable intake to bone mass.